Based on our February 2023 trip | Updated for 2026
If you’re self-planning your Umrah, getting from Madinah to Makkah is one of the biggest logistical questions. Package tours handle this with a group bus, but what do you do on your own?
The answer is SAPTCO — the Saudi Public Transport Company. It’s the most affordable way to travel between the two holy cities, and it’s the option we used for our family Umrah. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is SAPTCO?
SAPTCO (Saudi Public Transport Company) is Saudi Arabia’s national bus service. Think of it as the Saudi equivalent of India’s KSRTC or America’s Greyhound. They operate intercity buses across the entire kingdom, including the popular Madinah-to-Makkah route used by millions of Umrah pilgrims.
The buses are modern, air-conditioned, comfortable, and — most importantly — incredibly affordable compared to other options.
Our experience: the honest review
We took the SAPTCO bus on February 15, 2023, traveling from Madinah to Makkah (Al Haram bus station).
The details:
- Departure: 11:00 AM from Madinah bus station
- Arrival: 4:52 PM at Makkah (Al Haram) bus station
- Duration: approximately 6 hours
- Cost per ticket: SAR 69 (~$18 / ~₹1,530) including 15% VAT
- Total for 3 passengers: SAR 207 (~$55 / ~₹4,600)
- Trip number: 0407
- Booked online 4 days before travel
What went well:
The bus was clean, air-conditioned, and departed on time. Seats were comfortable with decent legroom. There was one rest stop along the way for bathroom and food. Front seats were reserved for families (this is a Saudi regulation, not a request). The driver was professional and the journey felt safe.
What to know:
It’s a long ride — nearly 6 hours through desert highway. The distance is about 420 km. Bring water, snacks, and entertainment (phone/book). The bus station in Makkah drops you at the main terminal, not at your hotel — you’ll need a taxi (Careem/Uber, SAR 15–30) to get to your accommodation.
Would I take it again? Absolutely. For SAR 69 per person, it’s unbeatable value. The Haramain train is faster but costs 2–4x more. For budget-conscious pilgrims, SAPTCO is the way to go.
How to book SAPTCO tickets online
Step-by-step booking process:
- Go to saptco.com.sa (SAPTCO’s official website)
- Select “Intercity Transport”
- Choose your route:
- From: Madinah
- To: Makkah (Al Haram)
- Select your travel date
- Browse available departures and choose a time
- Select the number of passengers
- Choose your seats (front rows are for families)
- Enter passenger details (passport name and number)
- Pay online (credit/debit card accepted)
- Receive your e-ticket via email — print it or save it on your phone
Pro tips for booking:
- Book 3–5 days ahead for the best seat selection
- During Ramadan and peak season, book 1–2 weeks early — buses fill up fast
- Morning departures (8–11 AM) are popular, afternoon slots are usually easier to get
- SAPTCO has also launched the “eJourney” digital platform for Umrah and tourism services — check for updated booking options
Can you book at the station?
Yes, you can buy tickets at the SAPTCO counter at the Madinah bus station. However, during peak Umrah season, buses can sell out. Online booking guarantees your seat and saves time at the station.
Cost comparison: all transport options between Madinah and Makkah
| Transport | Cost per person | Duration | Comfort | Book at |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAPTCO bus | SAR 69 (~$18 / ~₹1,530) | ~6 hours | Good | saptco.com.sa |
| Haramain High-Speed Train | SAR 150–300 (~$40–$80 / ~₹3,300–₹6,600) | ~2 hours | Excellent | hhr.sa |
| Private taxi (Careem/Uber) | SAR 400–600 (~$107–$160 / ~₹8,900–₹13,300) total | ~4 hours | Private | Careem or Uber app |
| Shared van/minibus | SAR 100–150 (~$27–$40 / ~₹2,200–₹3,300) | ~5 hours | Basic | Arranged at station |
My recommendation:
For budget travelers and families, SAPTCO is the clear winner. For those short on time or with elderly family members, the Haramain train is worth the premium. Private taxis only make sense for groups of 4+ where you can split the cost.
Important things to know
What to bring on the bus
- Water and snacks — there’s one rest stop, but bring your own just in case
- Phone charger — some buses have charging ports, but don’t rely on it
- Light blanket or shawl — the AC can get quite cold
- Your printed e-ticket and passport — they check these at boarding
- Entertainment — 6 hours is a long ride, download shows or bring a book
About Ihram
If you’re traveling from Madinah to Makkah, you need to enter the state of Ihram before crossing the Miqat (the boundary point). The Miqat for those coming from Madinah is Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali), which is just outside Madinah city.
Important: Put on your Ihram clothing and make your niyyah (intention) BEFORE boarding the bus. The bus does not stop at the Miqat. Most pilgrims change into Ihram at their hotel in Madinah before heading to the bus station. You can also stop at Masjid Dhul Hulayfah on the way to the station — it’s a common practice.
Family seating
Saudi regulation reserves front seats for families. When booking online, you’ll see these seats marked. If you’re a family with children or elderly members, specifically request front seating. The bus staff are generally helpful with families.
Bus station logistics
Madinah departure: The main SAPTCO bus station in Madinah is centrally located. Take a Careem/Uber from your hotel (SAR 10–20 depending on distance). Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
Makkah arrival: The bus arrives at the Al Haram bus station in Makkah. From there, take a Careem/Uber to your hotel (SAR 15–30). The station is busy, so order your ride from the app rather than negotiating with taxi drivers outside.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I bring luggage on the SAPTCO bus? Yes. There’s a luggage compartment below the bus for large bags. We traveled with three full-sized suitcases and had no issues. There’s no extra charge for luggage.
Q: Is there a toilet on the bus? Most intercity SAPTCO buses do not have an onboard toilet. However, the bus makes a rest stop (approximately halfway) where you can use facilities, pray, and buy food/drinks.
Q: Can I pay with cash at the station? Station counters typically accept both cash and card. Online booking requires a credit/debit card.
Q: What if my bus is delayed? SAPTCO buses are generally punctual, but delays can happen during peak season due to traffic near Makkah. If your hotel check-in is tight, add a note to your hotel booking (we did this for our Makkah hotel and it helped).
Q: Are there overnight SAPTCO buses? Yes, SAPTCO runs buses at various times including late evening. However, an overnight bus means arriving in Makkah in the early hours — make sure your hotel can accommodate an early check-in.
Q: Is the Haramain train better? The Haramain High-Speed Train (hhr.sa) is faster (~2 hours), more comfortable, and runs between Madinah station and Makkah/Jeddah. However, tickets cost SAR 150–300 per person and the train station is outside the city center (you’ll need a taxi to/from the station). For speed, the train wins. For value, SAPTCO wins.
Final verdict
SAPTCO is the best-value transport option between Madinah and Makkah for self-booking Umrah travelers. At SAR 69 per person (~$18 / ~₹1,530), it costs a fraction of the alternatives while providing a comfortable, reliable journey. The 6-hour duration is the trade-off, but for budget-conscious pilgrims, it’s absolutely worth it.
This is one of those hidden gems that package tours don’t tell you about — because they’d rather charge you more for their own group buses.
May your journey between the two holy cities be safe and blessed. Ameen.
Related articles:
- → How I Self-Booked Umrah for My Family — Complete Guide
- → How to Get an Umrah Visa — India & USA Guide
- → Hotel Review: Budget Stay in Madinah
- → Hotel Review: Budget Stay in Makkah
Disclaimer: Prices and schedules are based on our February 2023 experience and updated with 2026 information where available. SAPTCO schedules and fares may change — always check saptco.com.sa for the latest. This is a personal travel blog, not affiliated with SAPTCO. Some links may be affiliate links (see our Disclaimer for details).